Ireland-2-Turkey 2024

Check out time was 10am. My taxi arrived on time and took me to George Best City Airport.

I booked a taxi last night.

When l woke up this morning something didn’t feel right. So l checked my taxi booking to discover l had booked my ride to Belfast International Airport.

A quick check of my Lufthansa ticket to confirm which airport l was leaving from. Yep, George Best City Airport. I promptly cancel my taxi and booked another one.

The taxi ride was less the. 20 minutes. The driver was on for a yarn. He is catholic and married outside his faith. He was telling me he lives in the catholic quarter of Belfast. I said l had been on a bus ride the day before and had seen the wall and gates that were locked at night. He said they still lock them at 7pm and open then around 6am.

He spoke about a recent social media poll which indicated a shift in the attitudes of the younger generation towards separation of northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. He believes it won’t be long before there will be a referendum.

I said that’s interesting but l felt while there might be one Ireland in the near future it will take generations for the bitter division to heal. It would have been great to continue the conversation but we arrived at the airport.

Once inside l went in search of something for Breakfast.

Not my normal three slices of Bakers Delight bread for toast before work! I will say the Club Orange is the first real cold and fizzy drink l’ve had in my short stay in Ireland.

The soft drinking Ireland are generally lukewarm and flat. Coke is not coke unless it’s cold and has a fizz that makes you burp after the first mouthful.

I also find the coffee here lacking that “this will put hair on your chest” kick.

I have a few hours wait for my flight to Frankfurt. So, I’ve settled into some people watching but not before my first selfie of the day.

The only day of nice weather in Belfast is when l’m leaving. Ireland does have sunshine and clear skies!

I’ve checked in and ready to go. Next stop is Frankfurt.

A photo of Ireland’s regional carrier Aer Lingis at a George Best City Airport.

My plane has arrived …

Again, I really believe l have an issue with time schedules. Boarding meant to start at 3:05pm. However, we didn’t start moving until around 3:18pm.

Away, l’m on board now and settled into my seat!

No onboard flight entertainment! But really didn’t require it at all.

We’re on our way …

A few shots as we fly over Belfast

Another photo with countryside

The coast line as we fly out of Ireland.

Then along side of what l think might be the Isle of Man … but not sure.

A light snack in the flight which you have to pay for.

Several photos of wind turbines in the sea.

More turbines in the sea closure to Europe.

Crossing into Europe … somewhere!

Coming into Frankfurt

Landing at Frankfurt

I hopped on a train from the airport into the central station.

I wasn’t required to but a ticket. So, l guess public transport is free! I’ll need to confirm with Greg.

Remember when l mentioned how over here people stand on the right of the escalator rather than on the left to let people walk up on the right. Here is a photo as an illustration.

I initially thought it might reflect the fact they drive in a different side of the road. But, l dismissed this as the same behaviour is displayed in Ireland that drives on the same side of the road as back in Australia.

I arrived at central station. A photo from outside of the station!

Then a 10 minute walk to where l’m staying for a night. A fruit stall.

During my walk l saw light art on the street.

Then l checked in to my room.

The shower

I’m feeling a little hungry. I have a good rule which l try and stick by. That is no walking around at night until you’ve surveyed your environment before hand during the day.

But l think l might risk it to have an evening meal. Time for a shower … more tomorrow!